Site of Jesus’ baptism finally cleared of landmines for the first time in 50 years… now the public could be allowed to visit

The area known as Qasr al-Yahud is located 10 kilometres east of Jericho and has seven church along with chapels and monasteries that were constructed in the 1930’s during the period of the British mandate

By Danny De Vaal

15th February 2018, 12:44 am

Updated: 15th February 2018, 4:56 am

THE site believed to be where Jesus was baptised is to be cleared of landmines - and could be opened to the public for the first time in 50 YEARS.

The area known as Qasr al-Yahud is located 10 kilometres east of Jericho near the Jordan River in the Palestinian Territories.

The area known as Qasr al-Yahud is located 10 kilometres east of Jericho and has seven church along with chapels and monasteries that were constructed in the 1930’s during the period of the British mandate

The group said: “Clearing minefields at the Baptism Site not only removes a deadly legacy of conflict - it helps build bridges between fractured communities.

“Once we have cleared the land, the churches can be refurbished and the land and churches along the western bank of the Jordan River can be visited once more in safety.”

The work could take two years to complete and workers will use a mixture of manual demining, mechanical demining, alongside the explosive ordnance disposal.

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